China Test Prep-Win a Survival Bracelet

In preparation for the China test Thursday, I am going to give you an opportunity to prepare for the test AND win a survival bracelet. I have a basketball game tonight in Sioux Falls so I will not be able to have WSG Live! (though we will for sure do this again next unit). Despite the absence of WSG Live!, I still wanted to give you an opportunity to study for the test and win a survival bracelet. 
Task: Write a conversation between you and your Silk Road travel partner. The conversation needs to be about the Dynasties of China. You need to include AT LEAST 5 things about the dynasties in your comment. 
 Points: Ungraded. However, if you do this, you will get your name in the bucket for a survival bracelet that you get to design yourself. (up to 3 colors). 
 DUE: Thursday, 8:00 a.m. Prize: Design your own survival bracelet. 
 Example Conversation: 
Me: "Hey President Kennedy. How are you?" 
Kennedy: "I'm great. Thanks." 
Me: "Do you know what Legalism is?" 
Kennedy: "Yes, its when people obey rulers out of fear." 
Me: "That is correct! Good Job. The Qin dynasty had legalism." 
Kennedy: "Yeah, I knew that. I was a president, ya know." 
Me: "Sorry. Do you know what dynasty used Oracle Bones?" 
Kennedy: "Of course! It was the Shang Dynasty. Also the first dynasty of China." 
(Conversation continues......)

Ancient China Study Guide

Our relatively brief unit of Ancient China is coming to a close, so it's time for the China study guide. The ancient China test will be between 30 and 40 multiple choice questions. It will be open note which means you can use your China Work Packet. You can not use the internet during the test for help. The only notes you can use are in your China Work Packet, so make sure you have that with you and completed. In the study guide, you will find the topics that will be covered on the test, along with some review tools/games. You will also find the much anticipated China Arcade! (manic minor, wordshoot, etc). So, even though it is an open note test, you must do some review and studying because you don't have enough time to search for every answer in your notes.

Ancient China Study Guide 2012

Test: Thursday, December 20th. 

Honoring Newtown, CT

Unimaginable horror. I don't even know what to say about what happened in Newtown, CT yet it's all I can think about. I can't stop thinking about how horrible a tragedy it is and how unbelievably sad those families must be today. Christmas presents for those kids are sitting under Christmas trees. Their coats still hanging from the hooks. Images and thoughts that bring about the deepest meanings of sadness and brokenness. What can I do to help? I've racked my brain thinking of something to do that could actually help those families. I decided that one thing I could do is to just show my unflinching support for the victims, their families, and the survivors by changing my website and voicing my support to whoever reads this and follows my blog. For this week, my website will be a dedication to Sandy Hook E.S. and to show that I am mourning with them. It seems the word "sad" is not a strong enough word to capture the emotions felt by those who live in Newtown. My heart broke when I heard what happened. I have this overwhelming sense of sadness and I'm hundreds of miles away from where it actually happened. I can't comprehend what things must be like in Newtown today. How does a person, a family move on? For me, my sadness stems from the fact that I am a teacher who goes to school everyday. I think about the fact that the teaching profession lost 6 amazing adults, adults who gave their lives to protect children. My heart breaks as a father of a 7 year old, the age most of the kids were who died, when I think about those moms and dads who will never get to hold their child again. I hug my daughters tighter, more often as Newtown showed us just how fragile and unpredictable life can be. Each morning, when we wake up, I think we should have a new found sense of thankfulness and appreciate what we have. I think we should tell our loved ones how we feel more often, show more compassion. I think we need to stop taking things for granted. I think we should think about Newtown, CT and send our thoughts and prayers to those families.

The Silk Road Game

We have been doing a lot of preparation and planning for our Silk Road adventure. Now, it is time to see if all that hard work paid off and whether or not you survive the trip. You have no idea what will happen to you on the Silk Road. However, you do know that bad stuff will happen to you, so try to prepare for those bad situations. Just like in real life, the Silk Road is a tough, brutal journey that guarantees no one survival. The Silk Road has chewed up and spit out many travelers. With this powerpoint, you will see how you do in the Silk Road adventure as it takes you through the scenarios. These scenarios were chosen at random. In the back of your journal, keep track of how many points you have, how much money you have, and how much silk you have. During the trip, you will either gain points or lose points. At the end of the game, you need to have a positive amount of points, positive amount of money, and silk in order to survive and win the game. Good Luck! 

Ancient China Vocabulary Tool

Use the ancient China vocabulary tool to help you figure out the definitions. To "unlock" the definitions for your vocab words, you simply have to unscramble the words. Good Luck! 

Ancient China Vocab Tool

Geography/Map Labeling of China

Use this powerpoint to help you label your map and to color it. Having your map next week and having it colored will help you in your attempt at survival. As you will find soon enough, you need all the help you can get next week.

Ancient China Spotlight: Confucianism

Being that I am home with my sick daughter, I decided I better do some work since you are all in school today without me. She's taking a nap now, so I have some good WSG time. With my absence from school, I thought this would be a good time to share some information about Confucianism. So, let's go. 
Confucianism is not a religion. It is a philosophy, a way of behaving. Supporters of Confucianism argue that if a person follows Confucianism, they will do the right things in life. This way of thinking, known as Confucianism, was developed by a man named Confucius. Confucius was born in 551 BCE in China during the Zhou dynasty. Though his parents started out wealthy, the fall of the Zhou dynasty caused he and his family to become poor. When Confucius was 15, he discovered that he had a strong desire to learn. However, because he wasn't in a family of status and nobility, he was not allowed to get an education. He had a difficult time finding a way to learn since public libraries and public schools were not yet invented. Confucius decided he would go to work for a nobleman because this would give him the chance to get educated. With the nobleman, Confucius learned a lot and traveled all over the place. Confucius kept studying and learning and soon was the most educated man in the land. Word of Confucius's intelligence spread, and soon, people were sending their sons to study with him. Confucius taught all who were eager to learn the principles of his beliefs which were: developing strong personal responsibility and high moral character to do what is right. Through the years, Confucius wrote many famous quotes. 

Click Here to read some quotes from Confucius

Ancient China's Arrival

Try our slideshow maker at Animoto.

Hello and welcome to ancient China. For this ancient world, we will be traveling to the far East, in search of knowledge about many different topics. We will learn about the landscape of China, the Dynasties that shaped this great civilization, inventions that still impact our world today, and finally the Silk Road, a journey that will push you to the extreme. This three week unit will go fast, so buckle up and get focused.
Watch the video above to start experiencing ancient China. Do you recognize anything? 

Virtual Boards from South Korea and a call for HELP

I am very excited to post some virtual boards from our friends in South Korea. Their teacher, Mr. Ates, created Lino boards for his three classes. On these boards, you will find some very interesting information and pictures from Jeju and the Korean International school. 
KIS 1st period Virtual Board 
KIS 7th period Virtual Board 
KIS 8th period Virtual Board

Task: Post a comment with any of your thoughts about what you see on these boards. What do you find interesting? What surprises you? What questions do you still have? 


I Need Help! If you would like to help me make a video tour of our school to send to our friends in South Korea, post a comment. I need a tour guide and a video camera person. 

People are Awesome

Check out this amazing video of the Earth and people who call it home. As the title suggests, people are amazing and this video proves that. Watch the video and be in awe, but not of what you see, but because that could be you. What is stopping you from being awesome? What is stopping you from being amazing? Nothing. Your whole life is in front of you. Learn, improve, and strive to be awesome and maybe one day you will be in a YouTube video called "People are Awesome."

Ancient Egypt Essay Question

Now that you have completed the multiple choice portion of the Egypt test, it is time to work on the Essay. I hope your fingers are ready to type and your brain is ready to spew knowledge. I gave you three essay possibilities to study. Hopefully you studied mummification because that is the topic for your essay.
Points: 30
Egypt Test Essay: Discuss mummification by explaining why they mummified pharaohs and each step of the process in detail. 

WSG Live! Ancient Egypt

Welcome to Water for Sixth Grade Live! This is the first time we have had the opportunity to have a WSG Live! Event. This is a unique study tool that I provide for you. This is something that you have not experienced yet in your school life. I want you to study the night before the test. I want you to review the night before you take your ancient Egypt test. So, to help you, I am going to study with you. That is right, your teacher will be studying with you the night before the test. How this works: Tonight, on WSG, we will be having a live chat session. I will be sitting at my computer, asking you questions. Comment moderation will be turned off, so your comments will post automatically, turning WSG into instant messaging.  

 WSG Live! Ancient Egypt: 8:00-8:30

If you participate in WSG Live!, your name will be entered into the drawing for the new Survival Bracelet giveaway. 

Egypt Study Guide

Our time in ancient Egypt is coming to a close. It is time for the Egypt test. To help you study/prepare, I am providing for you a Study Guide. This document will guide you to what you should be studying. Use this study guide. Use the tools. Prepare yourself. I feel that we have covered what we need to know, but it would still be good for you to review.

 Ancient Egypt Study Guide

Ancient Egypt Sketch: Guess the god

Learn how to draw cartoons, comics, and anime at Sketchfu!


Check our my ancient Egypt sketches and see if you can guess the ancient Egypt god or goddess. Good Luck!

White Shirt Production: "Look Like an Egyptian"

Look Like an Egyptian 2010 from Dan Klumper on Vimeo
Ever wonder what the ancient Egyptians looked like? Well, it is time to find out. Check out this video and watch a regular, American kid get transformed into an ancient Egypt. I will be putting on a demonstration to show you a common appearance of the ancient Egyptians. I must warn you, though, that I am not good at putting on make-up. My volunteer is taking a great risk in allowing me to applying make-up to her face. A "Whiteshirt Production."

Daily Life Video Help

To help you with your "Daily Life of Ancient Egypt" notes, I thought I would provide you with a video, taking you through the notes with me as your guide. Watch the video and feel free to pause it at any time. Hopefully, between this video and your article, you are able to get your daily life notes completed. Good Luck!

Egypt Online Quiz

This is our final week of ancient Egypt. On Friday, we will be taking a test. On Wednesday, we will be competing in the Egypt Shoot-Out. For both of these items, you need to prepare. Please complete this Egypt Online Quiz by Thursday, November 29th-Midnight. Going through this online quiz will help you get prepared for the Shoot-Out game and for the Egypt test. 

Take Egypt Online Quiz

VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure you sign your name correctly. (class period) (first name) (last initial). For Example: 3Dan K
DUE Date: Thursday, November 29th, Midnight
POINT: 20

A thankful Thanksgiving Post

We have so much to be thankful for.

It's Thanksgiving. A day to give thanks. A day to remember what we are thankful for. It's seems odd to me that only one day out of the year is called "Thanksgiving Day." I think everyday should be called that. Why only officially pronounce our "thanks" once per year? We have so much to be thankful for. We have freedom. We live in America. We can go to school. We have clean water. We have shelter. We have opportunity. These are things that I feel we take for granted, myself included at times. How often do you stop and think about the fact that you have clean water? Probably never. Imagine how often you would think about it if you DIDN'T have clean water? Constantly. Some don't have clean water. You may think going to school isn't something to be thankful for. Imagine not having the opportunity to go to school, what would it be like? You would have no opportunity, no hope. Some don't have the opportunity to go to school and want nothing more than that chance. Your education is the key to your life, future. Seriously, take a long, hard look at all your freedoms, all your opportunities and be thankful. Be thankful everyday. Be respectful everyday. Give thanks by saying it, by working hard, by appreciating who you are and where you live. 
I am thankful for my family, for getting to be a teacher, for freedom, and for guys like Adam Brown, a member of Navy SEAL Team 6 who paid the ultimate price in preserving our freedom when he was killed in the Hindu Kush Mts. of Afghanistan and left a wife and two little kids alone as a result. I get choked up thinking about those who lay down their life for me, for you. Thanksgiving is not a military holiday, but perhaps it should be because everything we have to be thankful for is because of the American Warrior. 
Thank you, 
-Mr. Klumper

Showcase Update: Enjoy Thanksgiving!

Click through the pictures with the "left" arrow to see the most recent pictures.

King Tut Murder Mystery

The Mummy of King Tut

Perhaps the most famous pharaoh of ancient Egypt is King Tutankhamen, or commonly known as "King Tut." At just 9 years old, Tutankhamen became the leader of ancient Egypt. His reign as King did not last long, though, as he died at the very young age of 19. In addition to his young age, King Tut also became famous because his mummified body was found in tact in a tomb full of riches. Howard Carter made the discovery in November 1922. King Tut's body was transferred to a medical lab to be examined. One big mystery that surrounds King Tut is how he died. At the age of 19, natural causes can most certainly be ruled out. Something must have happened to him. The questions is, "What?" This article is going to examine how King Tut may have died. There are a few theories as to why he died, but new medical evidence might shed some light on what happened thousands of years ago to the "boy King" as he is often called. 
Task: Read the attached article on the mystery of King Tut's death and answer the questions in a comment box. 
Read: King Tut Murder Mystery
Questions:

1. Up until now, what did most people think happened to King Tut?

2. How old was Tut when he became King?

3. How old was Tut when he died?

4. What is an autopsy?

5. What did the examination reveal about king Tut’s leg?

6. DNA from Tut’s body showed that he was also suffering from a disease. What effect did this disease have on Tut’s bones?

7. What was found in Tut’s tomb that confirms this disease?

8. What disease carried by Mosquito's did Tut also have?

9. Tut was King only for a short while, yet he was very famous. Why?

Graded Blog post.

20 points DUE: Wednesday, November 21st. Midnight.

Creating an Egypt Photovisi

Example of an Egypt Photovisi

Creating is something that helps us learn the information because it makes it more meaningful. Topics of Egypt are not something we just need to memorize for a test, but use to create cool things! We are going to create a "photovisi" about Egypt. Photovisi is a tool that allows us to easily create a photo collage with text. We can insert pictures and information, similar to an infographic. The big difference between this and the infographics we made in class is the computer! We can find and use pictures off the internet to help us make a dynamite photovisi, or online infographic. Our goal today is to create, save and share our photovisi. 
Task: Create an Egypt Photovisi (online infographic). Your photovisi should show the major topics of Egypt that we have been disucssing.
Ideas for your photovisi:
-Things about the Nile River
-Things about Mummification (ex: show the 6 steps)
-Things about Egypt religion
-Vocab words
-Things about Pyramids

Details: You must have at LEAST 4 images on your photovisi. You can certainly have more though. For each photo you insert, you need to include a complete sentence of information about that picture. Short descriptions are better because they don't take up so much room. 
Saving: We will do this in class together. 

Click Here to make your Egypt Photovisi

Ancient Quest: "I Perform Mummification"

Johnny Rawten has two golden coins. He needs eight. After discovering fire for the people of the Stone Age and inventing farming for the people of Mesopotamia, Johnny is ready for his third task, which takes him to a wild, exciting place known as ancient Egypt. In his first time traveling experience, Johnny came face to face with death as he was caught in the middle of a turf war between the ancient Egyptians and Nubians. Johnny survived, but suffered a spear cut to his shoulder. Now, as Johnny enters ancient Egypt to continue his Quest, he must remember what he learned all those years ago, for his life depends on it.

Read: Chapter 4: I Perform Mummification

International Connections begins with a GIVEAWAY

It is time to begin International Connections: South Korea. Now, I know that we could simply read a book or find a website and learn about any country in the world, but it wouldn't be as meaningful, we wouldn't feel a very strong connection to that place. So instead, we are going to be learning about South Korea for students who actually live and go to school there. International Connections is a program I set up to help my students learn about life outside of the walls of Brandon, SD. Too often, we get so focused on our own lives and forget that there is a huge, interesting world around us. I want to take off our tunnel vision goggles and experience other places! What does this have to do with Social studies, you ask? Well, this is a great opportunity for us to learn, to discover new things, to ask insightful questions, to grow as a person and become more worldly. I am very excited for our connection to South Korea because I think we will discover that things are much different than here in Brandon, SD. 
Our new friends from South Korea go to school at the International School in Jeju, South Korea. Their teacher's name is Mr. Ates. They learn about ancient civilizations and use Water for Sixth Grade, just like us. To start our connection, we are going to ask each other questions. So, our first task is to think of some questions that we want to ask our new friends in South Korea. 
TASK: I want you to post some question ideas for our new friends in South Korea. Questions could include things about their school and their life. 
GIVEAWAY: If you post a comment with at least 3 questions to ask the students in South Korea, your name will be entered into the drawing for the Special Edition USA/South Korea Survival Bracelets. 
You have until 8:00 a.m. Wednesday morning to get your name in the drawing. 

Check out some Egypt Tackks!

Friday we worked on creating Egypt Tackks. Despite our 40 minutes together, we were able to produce some nice looking websites about Egypt. For this in class activity, our goal was to create a website on Egypt with as many topics as we could in the time allotted. This was a first time experience for both me and you, so it was good to see what we were able to come up with in 40 minutes and how saving went. Unfortunately, some sites were not saved. In 8th period, I had selected the wrong "setting" on the save page, so those tackks are not viewable, and for that I apologize. I feel bad because as I was walking around during 8th period, I saw some really good stuff and I was eager to share that! Technology is great, but sometimes the wrong setting is selected and its not great. 

View Egypt Tackks

For any 8th period student, or any student in general, if you would like to create another Egypt tackk for me to share on WSG, I would be very happy. To do so, click the link below and create your new tackk without logging in. After you have completed your new tackk, simply copy and paste the website address and post it in a comment. Thank you!

Create another Egypt Tackk Here 

Veterans Day Weekend

In honor of Veteran's Day, I would like to share this YouTube video. Please take a few moments to watch the video and think about all the veterans and current soldiers protecting our freedom in America. American soldiers have died protecting our right to vote, to be free, to have choices, and to preserve liberty. The least we can do on this Veterans day weekend is to say "thanks." Whenever I see a man or woman in their uniform, I walk up to them, shake their hand, and thank them for their service. It feels good. Try it sometime...

Creating an Egyptian Tackk

Today we will be creating an Egypt Tackk. A Tackk is a tool that allows us to show what we know and share our Egypt knowledge. Max effort is needed on a day like today because I want you to create a quality tackk in the time we have together. There are two links that you need to use: the Tackk creator link and the link to save your website for sharing next week. Your task, details, and tools are already set up for you. So, let's continue with our Tackk creation. 

Click Here to make your Egyptian Tackk 

Click to Share your tackk

Experience the King Tut Museum and see a REAL MUMMY

Four years ago, we had the opportunity to take a field trip to Watertown, SD to visit the King Tut Museum. This is a traveling museum, so it is no longer at Watertown (otherwise we would go again!). So, I thought I would share this video so you could experience the King Tut museum even though we can't actually go there.  In the video, you will see many, many artifacts from Ancient Egypt. These artifacts are exact replicas, which means that they weren't actually from the ancient times, but created to look exactly like what they would have looked like. However, there are a few items that are REAL, like the mummified body you will see at the end. So, sit back and enjoy the video as you experience the wonders of Ancient Egypt.  

Ancient Egypt Vocabulary

We have been digging into some pretty sweet ancient Egypt Library books. This has allowed us to get a good introduction to ancient Egypt. Through our digging, we have also been exposed to some very important vocabulary words that we need to know for this unit. Some of our vocab words we may already know. However, I still want to give you a Egypt vocabulary tool, and here it is. I created a webpage for you to use to figure out what those Egypt vocab words mean. On the website, you will see a picture of the vocab word, with its definition right BELOW the picture. One word is not on the website (polytheism) but it is a word we have already learned. 

Ancient Egypt Vocabulary Tool

Election Results are in...

The 2012 Presidential election is over, at least in 6th grade. We decided that we didn't want to wait to vote for president, so we held our own election over the course of the last week. As 6th graders, we can and should be involved in what is going on in our country, especially in a year with a presidential election. As we know, the presidential race is between Barack Obama, the current President and Mitt Romney, the challenger and former governor of Massachusetts. Obama is a democrat and Romney is a republican. The campaign has been a very long, tough, grueling process for both candidates and it will only pay off for one man Tuesday night. I encourage each and everyone of you to flip on the television Tuesday night and watch the coverage. Watch as the results start to come in. You will be surprised at how exciting it is. The magic number is 270, as in which ever candidate gets to 270 electoral votes wins the presidency. Going into election day, Obama has a very slight lead in the polls. But anything can happen on election day. 
So, without further delay, here are the results in my 6th grade classes....

VIEW 6th grade ELECTION RESULTS

Egypt Prior Knowledge & Fact Search

Ancient Egypt has begun and we are going to dive right in. Our first activity of ancient Egypt is going to bring us to books. Not the textbook, but Library books. One advantage Egypt has over Mesopotamia is that there are tons of good library books about ancient Egypt. I'm not talking about chapter books, but books with a lot of pictures! So, this week, we are going to be using both the internet and those library books to help us get introduced to ancient Egypt. Monday we will be using the library books for our "Fact Search" activity. After Monday, you can use the Ancient Egypt website list on WSG. 
TASK #1: For this blog post, tell me something you already know about Ancient Egypt. I would bet that we know way more about Egypt before beginning than we knew about Mesopotamia before beginning that unit. So, post a comment telling me something you already know about Egypt! I want to know what we already know before we start tackling some topics. 
Task #2: Use the Egypt Website list to help you complete your Ancient Egypt Fact Search activity. VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure you use complete sentences in the Fact Search. 

DUE Dates
Fact Search: Friday (30 points)
Prior Knowledge Comment: Friday (optional)

Hunting for Egypt Websites

We are just hours away from entering the fascinating world of Ancient Egypt. This place is loaded with fascinating things like the sphynx, mummification, Nile River, and religion. It is a place that witnessed the building of the most amazing project in the history of our world, the pyramids. It is a place that once you enter, you don't want to leave until you've learned as much as possible. I want you to "hunt" the internet for great ancient Egypt websites. Before you run to Google and start searching, some things you need to know. First, you can search for broad sites about Egypt by simply searching "ancient Egypt" or, you can get more specific and search for sites about certain things like pyramids or mummification. Our goal is to create a solid list of interesting Egyptian websites. I also want you to search for Ancient Egypt games or online activities. Search for YouTube videos that we could share and watch, search for cool pictures.

Some websites might not offer very good information.

Use this guide to help you:

.com sites: anyone can have these websites. Some info might not be good.

.gov sites: these sites would be produced by a government agency and should be good.

.edu sites: these sites are produced by colleges or educational agencies so they are good sites

.net sites: these sites are also trustworthy sites

Task: Search the internet for great Ancient Egypt websites. Search for informational sites, videos, pictures, online games and activities. When you find one you want to share, post a comment with the Link AND a short description of what the site is and why you think its good.

Optional Post, but please help me out and find some cool sites! 

New Feature: "Showcase"

While we wait for the Ancient Egypt unit to begin, I thought it would be a good time to introduce the newest feature of Water for Sixth Grade: the "Showcase." This new feature is designed to share and display student work. In social studies, we create a lot, so I wanted to have something that would allow me to put all your hard work on showcase. With my iPhone, I can easily snap photos of our work. Keep up the effort, and perhaps your work will be on Showcase one day. Keep in mind, though, with 127 students, I am not able to put everybody's work on the showcase page, every time. So don't feel bad if your work doesn't show up.  
How do you get to the showcase page?  At the top of WSG, right below the title, there is a link to the "Showcase" page. Simply click the link and you will be there. 

Wax Museum 2013 Begins

The Wax Museum of 2013 has begun. It is only fitting that the Wax  Museum, something we dress up in costumes for, begins on Halloween. This is a year long project that ends in April with our big Wax Museum night. Between now and our Wax Museum event, we have a lot of work to do. Our work begins with phase 1: Character selection. It is very exciting to see who each student selects as their character. A lot of students are on the edge of their seat, hoping their top choice doesn't get picked.
This is a long project that requires a lot of work. So, you may ask yourself, "Why do this?" Well, as you will see in the video, we do this for many reasons. To learn, think, write, read, research, speak, listen, make a difference, experience, and be a part of a really good thing.
One aspect of the Wax Museum that makes this a dynamic project is how it's set up. To make our Wax statues come alive, coins need to be dropped in the buckets. This makes the Wax statue come to life and share about their life. So far, in the three year history of the Wax Museum at Brandon Valley middle school, we have raised over $10,000, all of which has gone to the Make-A-Wish foundation to help grant kids their wish. We have sent a two kids to Walt Disney World and sent a kid to Alaska on his dream fishing vacation.
This year, it is your turn to be a part of the Wax Museum and experience a project like no other. It is your turn to make a difference. Take this responsibility seriously and work hard. I am already excited for our big night in April.

Rock the Vote: Obama or Romney?

Unless you've been living under a rock the past 6 months, you know that it is Election year, which means on November 6th, the citizens of the United States will elect a president. There are two outcomes of November 6th: Barack Obama will be reelected as President of the United States and serve his second term, or former Governor Mitt Romney will be elected president of the United States. You are in 6th grade, which means you can not vote on November 6th. However, that doesn't mean you can't get involved! In my class, we aren't going to wait for November 6th to find out who wins the Presidency. We are going to find out this week. Before you cast your vote, you must figure out who you want as president. Don't just pick who your parents want! Think for yourself! I have provided a link to help you see where Obama and Romney stand on the issue...

Click Here to see where Obama and Romney stand on key issues

Click Here for a good comparison between Obama and Romney

Click Here to take an online quiz to see who you agree

Click Here to VOTE
(Poll closes Friday at midnight)

Strengthening our Weaknesses GIVEAWAY

Tuesday is your Mesopotamia Test. Wednesday is Halloween. Survival Bracelets are popular. So, let's combine all three things to help us study. There are a couple topics on the Mesopotamia test that we have not covered as well as others. I feel we have covered the Events of Mesopotamia pretty well, but have not covered gods and goddesses and "people of Mesopotamia" very well. So, for this blog post, I am going to giveaway a Special Edition Halloween Survival Bracelet to encourage you to do this post and help strengthen our weaknesses. As usual, I will be drawing the names out of a bucket. So, in order to get you name in the bucket, you must complete the task for this post. 

Task: To get your name in the bucket, you must post a comment with one piece of information. Topics to choose from: Gods/goddesses, vocabulary words, Famous people of Mesopotamia, and items location on the map. Use the study guide and flashcards below to help you. 

DETAILS: 

-I will be giving away a bracelet to ONE BOY and ONE GIRL.

-You may enter your name in the bucket up to 10 TIMES, but each comment must be different.

-Names will be drawn Tuesday morning during 3rd period.

Mesopotamia Study Guide

Flashcards

 

Mesopotamia Study Guide

With our end of the unit test only days away, I wanted to get you the study guide this weekend. Monday, we will review in a variety of ways. The test is Tuesday. Use this study guide to help you study. You will not find all the questions and answers, but what you will find is a "guide" that will point you in the right direction for studying. Also, the ONLINE flashcards are posted on the study guide and on the online flashcards page. Good Luck! 

Mesopotamia Study Guide

   

Crazy Izzy Dances

Here's What I'm doing today...

Hello students. I am blogging from Eugene Fields Elementary school in Sioux Falls, SD. Today, I am talking to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders about Government and how it effects us in our daily life. Just like the air we breathe, government isn't something we think about a lot but something that affects us everyday. I have attached the Prezi that I am using to help show these students how much government affects our lives so you can see what I'm doing today. In the Prezi, I show a picture of something that government does, then show a picture of what it would be like without that government item. (Ex: speed limit sign--without this we would have many, many car crashes)
I hope (and am confident) you are having a good day at school and being respectful to the sub. Look for more posts this weekend, including the VERY important Mesopotamia study guide.
See you Monday,
-Mr. Klumper

2012 "Ask the Public" Results Graphs

I sent you out on a mission. It was a mission to find out what the public thought about the four fabulous inventions of Mesopotamia: Irrigation, wheel, money, and writing. The task was to interview six adults, asking them what they think is the most important and least important of the fabulous four inventions in our world today. I think it is interesting to look at these graphs and see what people think overall. As you look at the graphs for overall and for each class period, does anything surprise you? Is it different than you thought? Any reason why the results are what they are? Any feelings or thoughts on the results? I find it interesting that the overwhelming majority of the people said money was the least important of the four, yet MANY people devote their lives to making as much money as they can, their whole world revolves around it, it effects their happiness, etc. So, perhaps people are in denial, perhaps they really think it is important but don't want to seem greedy... Just my thoughts. Think for yourself and look at the data. 

View the 2012 Ask the Public Results Graphs

Blueman teaches the class

The Blueman Challenge: Can you find the Mesopotamia items in the Blueman comic? Post a comment and tell me what Mesopotamia items are in the Blueman comic. (3 items)

The Code of Hammurabi and a GIVEAWAY!

We have discussed Hammurabi's Code in class. We talked about the need for laws, what it would be like in our world without laws and the type of laws Hammurabi came up with. While listening to some of the laws, you probably thought one of two things: 1. it's fair or 2. its cruel. Well, for today's blog post, you will be sharing your thoughts and opinions on whether you think Hammurabi's Code was fair or too cruel. A link is attached that will give you a brief overview of Hammurabi's Code and give you some examples of a few laws. The link will also give you reasons for both sides of the argument. Hammurabi brought order and stability to the lawless people of Mesopotamia, but was it too cruel? Let the debate begin...

Hammurabi's Code: Fair or too Cruel?

Task: After reading through the link, post a comment on whether you think Hammurabi's Code is fair or too cruel. Make sure you explain why you believe the way you do. Do NOT simply say, "I think Hammurabi's Code is too cruel because it's not fair." You need to share specific reasons that support your beliefs.

Bonus Link: Click here to read about some weird laws of our own country, the good ol' USA!

If you post a comment by 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 23rd, you could win a limited edition WSG survival bracelet!

Mesopotamia Events Tournament Results

The Mesopotamia Events tournament has come to a close, but the discussion has just started. In class, we heard from all 12 events. They argued for the event, telling us why they believe their event was the most important event of Mesopotamia. The cool thing about Mesopotamia is that all 12 events can make a strong case for their event being the most important. As sixth graders, you did a pretty good job voicing your opinions, putting together coherent thoughts and being respectful to others beliefs. I must say, I was quite surprised by some of the results of the tournament. Some groups with events that were tougher made very good arguments, which turned the tide of the class and earned enough votes for victory.  With the conclusion of the tournament, let's examine the results and discuss what happened. 

Click here to view the Results of the Mesopotamia Events Tournament

Task: After looking at the Events tournament results and brackets, continue to discuss and voice your opinion. What do you think of the results? What surprised you? What do you agree with? What do you disagree with? What do you think should have happened? 
In your comment, I want to hear from you. Not everyone was able to speak in class, so now is your chance to voice your opinions! 

Things to think about when examining the results: Who won the tournaments? How many points did each event score? How many times did each event make it into the championship match? 

Four Famous People of Mesopotamia

People of Mesopotamia on Prezi

Task: Go through this Prezi to learn about 4 famous people of Mesopotamia. At the end, you will see a list of questions. Post a comment with the QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS!

Events of Mesopotamia

The civilization of Mesopotamia was shaped by major events. With this blog post, we are going to analyze what some of these major events were and why they were so important to the rise of this civilization. In class, we will be looking at these events even closer as we divide up into groups and conduct a "tournament" of Mesopotamia events. Our tournament will match these events up against one another, creating debate and discussion on which event is more important in not only the rise of Mesopotamia, but in our world today. 

Task: Using the "Events of Mesopotamia Link" I want you to select 6 major events of Mesopotamia and tell me WHAT the event was and WHY that event was important for Mesopotamia. Use COMPLETE sentences. 
The Events: Irrigation, city-state, chariot, money, rise of Kings, bricks, cuneiform, ziggurat, Epic of Gilgamesh, wheel, Code of Hammurabi, Hanging Gardens.

Example Comment:

"Code of Hammurabi: This was a set of laws written down by King Hammurabi. This event was important to the people of Mesopotamia because it brought order and stability to their civilization. It made Mesopotamia safer because the people had to obey the law or face the harsh consequences."

DUE: Friday, October 19. 10:30 p.m.

30 Points (5 points for each event) 

Ancient Quest: I Invent Farming

We have reached chapter 3 of the book Ancient Quest. Chapter 3 is titled "I Invent Farming" and we once again join Johnny on his ancient quest, back to the ancient worlds, to accomplish tasks. Johnny has to complete one task in each of the 8 ancient worlds he will visit. So far, he has only gained one golden coin. He did that in the Stone Age by helping the people there discover and improve fire. Now, Johnny has arrived in Mesopotamia, where he will struggle to survive and to accomplish his task. The desert of Mesopotamia is a scorching, white-hot section of earth that will push Johnny to the limits. Will Johnny figure out what his task is and succeed? Let's go...
Read: Chapter 3: I Invent Farming

"Ask the Public" Project Details

This week, we are going to work on a different type of a project. It is called "Ask the Public" and it goes along with our Mesopotamia Unit. We are going to go out and conduct interviews, asking the public what they think. You are going to be interviewing adults! This is a great opportunity for you to work on the skill of talking to adults. It is a skill 6th graders overall struggle with, so this will be good practice. You are going to interview 6 adults, asking them about Mesopotamia inventions and inventions in general.  The "Ask the Public" detail sheet is attached, but here are a few main details:
DUE: October 22nd, 2012 in class. 60 points.
Task: Interview 6 people (interview questions included)
Print off a Cover page (details of cover page included with link)
Be respectful and Confident!
Thank each person
Each adult MUST be 25 or older
Only ONE interview can be with a person related to you
Only ONE interview can be with a middle school teacher

Click here to read the full details sheet on "Ask the Public." 
Click here to see an example of the Cover Page

White Shirt Production: Fabulous Four

The Fabulous Four of Mesopotamia from Dan Klumper on Vimeo.
Mesopotamia, being the first civilization of the world, had the unique opportunity to invent many things. A lot of "firsts" occurred in Mesopotamia, which you will see in this third White Shirt Production called: "The Fabulous Four." What you will be watching is NOT how the inventions actually came to be, but, it will show you how important each one is. All four inventions of the Fabulous Four are used everyday in our world. For this video, you have 3 tasks. See below.
Task #1: Which of the four inventions do you think is the MOST important in our world?
Sign comments with: class period, first name, last initial (ex: 3Dan K.)
In-Class Blogging.

Mesopotamia Scavenger Hunt

Mesopotamia Info Scavenger Hunt on Prezi

Welcome to the World of Mesopotamia. Today, you will be traveling around the Fertile Crescent, or Mesopotamia, to learn about this wondrous place. Your travel tool today is a Prezi, posted above. You need to click through the Prezi and complete the tasks in your NOTEBOOK. Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT lose your notebook sheets because the information gained from this project will be valuable for other projects and for the test. It is stuff you need to know about this ancient civilization. All work today will be done in your notebook. Label your notebook section: "Mesopotamia Scavenger Hunt Prezi" and in your notebook, be sure to label each section. Write in COMPLETE SENTENCES so you can use this information later without having the Prezi.

Your final task for this blog post, which will come after you complete the Prezi, will be to post a COMMENT right here telling me about five things you learned throughout the "adventure."

You will use these sites during the Prezi:

MAP OF MESOPOTAMIA

MR. DONN'S MESOPOTAMIA

BRITISH MUSEUM

So, in summary:

1. Go through the Prezi with your Notebook.

2. Post a comment of 1 paragraph (five sentences) of things you learned.

In-Class activity: Information gathering

Adventures of Meso Larry

In the Mesopotamia Unit, there are a some words that I want you to know. These words, 11 of them in all, are important words to understanding Mesopotamia. For this unit, to help us find the definitions, I created a new social studies character named "Meso Larry" (Mesopotamia Vocabulary, get it?) Meso Larry is a down and out, 62 year-old social studies super hero who is depressed and overshadowed by the popular Blueman and Johnny Rawten. Meso Larry longs for a chance to prove himself worthy and to show everyone that he can do just as much as Blueman and Johnny. Fortunately for Meso Larry, his chance is coming.... 
Task: With the story, write down the definitions to each Vocabulary word in your Mesopotamia Work Packet. 
Read: The Adventures of Meso Larry

DUE for 10 completion points on Friday, October 12th in class. 

Scrapbooking the Ancient World

Now that we have concluded the Stone Age unit, it is time to work on our Scrapbook project. You all have a three ring binder. You are responsible for this. Take care of it. Each unit, everything we do goes into the binder so it's safe and so you don't lose it. However, in addition to each unit's materials, we will also be adding some "scrapbook requirements."  These are activities that will help us review what we learned in each ancient world. It will also enable us to reflect and remember all the things we learned throughout the year when we reach May. Before you click on the "Requirements" (which will be given to you in class as well), remember that this is YOUR scrapbook project. You make it as cool as you want. The quality of your project all depends on the amount of work and effort you put in. 
Click here to read the Scrapbook Project Details and Requirements

Stone Age Essay

Essay Question: Tell me about the story "I Discover Fire."  In your essay, you need to discuss challenges Johnny faced in communicating with the tribe, what the neanderthals needed help with, how Johnny made the discovery, the strategy of hunting, what happened on each hunt and the resolution of the story (how the story ended).  

Points: 20

If you study for the test, you could win this....

This could be yours!!

Lynx Survival Bracelet

Students, I want you to study for the test. I so badly want you to study tonight that I am going to have a "giveaway" contest. You may not know this about me but I know how to make Survival Bracelets. I have seen many of you wearing them around school. I also wear one everyday. Perhaps you have noticed it. I think they are fun to make and fun to be creative with different colors. So, I am going to combined my bracelet making abilities with the Stone Age review.  So, here is the contest: If you post a comment to this blog post, your name will be entered into the drawing. One lucky student will win this one-of-a-kind Lynx Survival Bracelet tomorrow in class. Nobody in the entire school district has a bracelet like this, and it could be yours. All you have to do is study! 
To get your name entered in the contest, all you need to do is ONE of the following tasks:
1. Post a comment with all vocab words and definitions from the Stone Age work packet.
2. Tell me information about Otzi the Iceman
3. Tell me about the 4 theories on how Otzi may have died.
4. Tell me about the story "I Discover Fire"
5. Tell me the 3 theories on why neanderthals may have died out. 
6. Describe the characteristics of a neanderthal and a Cro-Magnon

Deadline: Friday, September 28th at 8:00 a.m.
Quick Links:
Study Guide
Flashcards
Good Luck and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Stone Age 2012 Study Guide Tools

Our first major test of the school year is upon us. Throughout the school year, we study 8 ancient civilizations. At the end of each unit, we have a test, which means we have 8 social studies tests this school year. Here is your first one: The Stone Age. Through Water for Sixth Grade, I like to provide you with some study tools that will help you and give you direction in what/how to study. The test is FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH. It is 40 questions. With this post, I want to make it as easy as possible to access the review tools. 

Stone Age Study Guide

Stone Age Flash Cards